The American Red Cross is kicking off a new campaign to increase blood donations this summer.

The new campaign is called "100 days of summer. 100 days of hope."

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It encourages donors to lock in a day on their schedule to give blood before summer vacations and travel come up.

To encourage donations around the Memorial Day holiday, donors of blood or platelets from May 23-25 will receive a Red Cross RuMe tote bag.

The Red Cross said it relies on volunteer donors for the 15,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.

HOW TO DONATE:

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.